Marco Scutaro News

The ol' hot stove hasn't exactly been broiling with blockbuster moves so far. But there have been surprises: Michael Cuddyer had his $10.5 million option picked up by the Twins, a club not noted for doling out eight-figure salaries.

Faced with a vacancy at shortstop following the departure of Alex Gonzalez via free agency, the Red Sox are thinking outside the box.

Free-agent infielder Marco Scutaro told a Venezuelan newspaper that the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers have expressed interest in him.

Even though the Red Sox are trying to get Hanley Ramirez back ? Now that Alex Gonzalez has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Red Sox' primary target to play shortstop should be Marco Scutaro.

ADDITIONAL NOTE 8:03 p.m.: It seems that today's story is causing all kinds of fuss down in Texas, where fans are wondering why the Rangers would be pursuing Marco Scutaro at third base when they already have Michael Young.

W hoever starts at shortstop for the Red Sox [ team stats ] next year, this much now is certain - it won't be Alex Gonzalez .

If you haven't heard, Alex Gonzalez signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Shortstop Miguel Tejada has drawn preliminary interest on the free-agent market this offseason from the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as other teams, but could be heading north of the border, especially with the Blue Jays in need of a starting shortstop in 2010.

A story in the New York Daily News said the Red Sox were hoping to acquire Halladay before the winter meetings begin a week from Monday.

Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005. He appears weekly on the FSN Baseball Report and MLB on FOX.

Scutaro, 34, is coming off the best offensive season of his career, posting a .379 on-base percentage with 14 stolen bases for the Toronto Blue Jays.

On Tuesday, the offseason intrigue begins for real. News and notes Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi have their fingers on the pulse of the MLB offseason news.

The Brewers claimed Kottaras, according to the Milwuakee Journal-Sentinel . Original Post : Tommy Rancel of DRaysBay explains why now might be the time for the Rays to explore trading 1B Carlos Pena , who will earn $10 million next season, after which he can be a free agent.

New Jays GM Alex Anthopoulous didn't complain about competing in the AL East when talking about his plans for the team.

Jeter wins a gold glove??? Come on! Best defensive AL shortstop, not even close, this award has turned into a popularity contest, you no longer need to be a good defensive player to win.

The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season.

The Toronto Blue Jays have a fair number of on field questions in the off-season, and the biggest one, outside of what to do with ace pitcher Roy Halladay , might be the question of whether or not they should re-sign shortstop Marco Scutaro .

Blue Jays appoint pair of senior advisors New Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alexander Anthopoulos talks with a reporter before the start of the Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles baseball game Saturday, Oct.

On Opening Day in Toronto this past season, the loudest cheers during player introductions were understandably reserved for ace Roy Halladay.

Whither goest free agents Marco Scutaro and Rod Barajas? Well, nowhere yet. Not until 15 days after the final pitch of the World Series.